San Marino 0 - 6 England
England confirmed their place at Euro 2016 after a routine dismissal
of San Marino - but captain Wayne Rooney must wait to eclipse Sir Bobby
Charlton's all-time goals tally.
Wayne Rooney celebrates making it 1-0 for England
There was still plenty for England to celebrate, though, as they made it seven wins out of seven in qualifying to ensure they will be in France next summer.
England were never under threat and it was another damage limitation exercise for San Marino, especially after Cristian Brolli headed into his own net before half-time.
Ross Barkley nodded in his first England goal after the break and England romped clear with two goals from substitute Theo Walcott and Harry Kane's clever lofted finish.
Ross Barkley celebrates his first goal for England in the 46th minute with Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney made to wait
There was general astonishment - probably shared by Rooney himself - when he was substituted after 58 minutes with history beckoning and needing just one goal to beat Charlton's record.
Rooney will surpass the former Manchester United player's mark eventually and perhaps it will be more fitting should he seal it against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday rather than this quaint 6,600-capacity arena with many fans getting a free view from the hills that rise up at one end of the stadium.
It looked like the record was there for the taking when Rooney tucked away that early penalty but he had no further clear chances - although one would surely have come against a home defence that was exhausted in the last 25 minutes.
How the fresh faces fared
England manager Roy Hodgson gave opportunities to players in the relatively sedate surroundings of San Marino and one man in particular took his chance with relish.
Swansea City's Jonjo Shelvey, making his first England appearance in almost three years, was positive in possession, happy to play a deeper role but also willing to get forward and show his range of passing. He capped his performance by making the fifth goal for substitute Kane.
He will have created a good impression with Hodgson through his discipline and work-rate and can feel he has worked his way back into the England fold.
Barkley also made his mark with a neatly-taken header from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross as well as a few trademark moments of quality.
It was a tougher night for Leicester City's Jamie Vardy, who struggled to get into the action and, for a short while in the second half, became embroiled in a running battle with San Marino defender Giovanni Bonini.
Everton's John Stones, at the centre of so much speculation recently as Chelsea were willing to pay in excess of £30m for his services, had little to do other than handle the unique pressure of ensuring San Marino did not score their first goal of the Euro 2016 qualifiers on his watch.
Player Reaction
England captain Wayne Rooney, speaking on ITV: "It would have been great if the record had happened tonight. Obviously the tradition of Wembley and to break the record at Wembley would be great.
"Sir Bobby is in the dressing room at Manchester United after all the games and he has a presence about him. He has given me advice.
"I would swap all these goals for a winner's medal next summer.
England striker Harry Kane speaking to ITV Sport:
"It's great to get on the scoresheet. A lot has been said about me not scoring this season but I came off the bench and, thankfully, scored.
"It is a great achievement by Wayne Rooney to equal the goalscoring record and we are all buzzing for him but the whole team did well and we don't want to stop here as we want to keep moving on."
Manager Reaction
England manager Roy Hodgson speaking to ITV Sport: " I am more than satisfied and we won it with a good margin.
On Wayne Rooney substitution: "To be honest, we wanted to protect one or two players and it was in our thoughts we would try to keep Wayne on for 45 to a maximum of 60 minutes.
"One or two who weren't in contention to play on Tuesday night have pushed their claims and Jonjo Shelvey deserves a mention. In Michael Carrick and Jonjo we have two very good passers in that midfield position and when Jack Wilshere gets back we will have even more competition."
On Wayne Rooney substitution: "To be honest, we wanted to protect one or two players and it was in our thoughts we would try to keep Wayne on for 45 to a maximum of 60 minutes.
"One or two who weren't in contention to play on Tuesday night have pushed their claims and Jonjo Shelvey deserves a mention. In Michael Carrick and Jonjo we have two very good passers in that midfield position and when Jack Wilshere gets back we will have even more competition."
Are England in shape for Euro 2016?
Well, they will definitely be there and now Hodgson has some time for experimentation in the final three qualifiers.
England will not travel to France among the favourites but there is some fine young talent in this squad in the shape of the likes of Barkley, Luke Shaw, Kane, Stones and of course Raheem Sterling, who was rested on Saturday.
Hodgson will hope they continue to develop rapidly over the next 12 months alongside established, experienced players such as Rooney.
This should mean England can travel with hope and optimism. But potential winners? That is a long stretch.
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